Police are investigating the theft of a large quantity of meat from a family butchers in Cullybackey.

Around 30 boxes of steak, worth around £7,000, were stolen by thieves who forced their way into the property in Dreen Road sometime between 8.30pm on 16 December and 7am on 17 December.

The boxes each have ‘Topping Meats’ written on them.

A power washer and a sum of cash were also taken.

Chief Inspector Stephen McCauley said: “We are keen to hear from anyone with information about this burglary or from anyone who is offered meat for sale in unusual circumstances.

Aside from the criminal aspect of purchasing stolen meat, there are also some very obvious health implications for anyone consuming meat from a non-reputable source and we would strongly advise against this on that basis as well. “